JERUSALEM ARRIVES IN L.A.
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 17 May 2023
Filipino WBO minimumweight world champion Melvin 'Gringo' Jerusalem landed at the Tom Bradley International Airport in Los Angeles via Philippine Airlines Tuesday night (Wednesday in Manila) ahead of his first world title defense against Puerto Rican challenger Oscar Collazo on May 27 at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California.
Jerusalem was accompanied by his trainer Michael Domingo and Sanman/Zip stablemate Kevin Jake Cataraja. He was met at LAX by boxing supporters Christopher Arias, Albert Casas and Philboxing photographer Jhay Otamias.
Jerusalem (20-2-0, 12KOs) will be fighting for the first time in the US and will have experience advantage over Collazo (6-0-0, 4KOs) who turned pro only in 2020. Collazo however has a stellar amateur experience and won the gold medal in the 2019 Pan American Games.
Collazo has been pushed aggressively by his promoters Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions believing that the pint-sized Puerto Rican will be a future star. Former Filipino world champion Vic Salurdar was one of his victims in his young pro career. He defeated Mexican contender Yudel Reyes, then 15-1, in his last fight to get a shot at Jerusalem.
Jerusalem won the WBO belt by knocking out Masataka Taniguchi in the second round on Jan. 6, 2023 in Osaka, Japan. He previously challenged then WBC champion Wanheng Meenayothin of Thailand in 2017 and lost by a very close decision.
L-R: Kevin Jake Cataraja, Jerusalem, Christopher Arias, Albert Casas and Michael Domingo at LAX on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 upon Team Jerusalem's arrival from Manila. Photo by Jhay Otamias.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Abdullah Mason Stops Albert Bell To Defend Lightweight Crown
Sun, 05 Jul 2026CARLO BIADO IS THE 2026 INDONESIA INTERNATIONAL OPEN CHAMPION
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 05 Jul 2026Fight options for Manny
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 05 Jul 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The World Cup: a great celebration of peace and joy
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Sun, 05 Jul 2026Abdullah Mason vs Albert Bell Debuts DAZN/TNT Sports Deal
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 04 Jul 2026Jonas Magpantay advances to the quarterfinals
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 04 Jul 2026Weigh-In Results: Abdullah Mason vs. Albert Bell
Sat, 04 Jul 2026All Set for the All-Undefeated Clash Between Christopher Guerrero and Delante 'Tiger' Johnson Tomorrow Night in Cleveland
Sat, 04 Jul 2026Brave Alvin "Felemon" Dologuin Bested in Australia
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 04 Jul 2026BKFC TRIUMPHANTLY RETURNS TO NEWARK’S PRUDENTIAL CENTER ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
Sat, 04 Jul 2026Tony Yoka forced to withdraw from Murat Gassiev WBA heavyweight title shot due to back injury
Sat, 04 Jul 2026Recarte Tiauson wins Canlaon chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 04 Jul 2026Press Conference Notes: Abdullah Mason and Albert Bell Set for All-Ohio World Title Clash Saturday LIVE on TNT & DAZN
Fri, 03 Jul 2026Dologuin Fights Alsayyad: Flyweight Showdown Today in Australia
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 03 Jul 2026Enano to fight for IBO Oceania featherweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 03 Jul 2026